Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Cardiovascular Disease
New patients, please call for availability
Electrophysiology
Accepting new patients
Accepted Health Plans
Professional Interests
Cardiovascular Disease
-
Anti-arrhythmic drug therapy, Arrhythmia, Cardiac ablation, Electrophysiology study, Implantable cardiac defibrillator, Pacemaker services, Radiofrequency ablation, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Affiliations
- Hospital Affiliations
-
California Pacific Medical Center
-
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
- Medical Affiliations
-
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
- Sutter West Bay Medical Group
Practice Locations
Board Certifications
BOARD CERTIFIED IN:
-
Cardiovascular Disease
-
Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
Credentials & Notables
- Medical School:
-
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
- Residency:
-
Legacy Emanual and Good Samaritan Hospital, Portland Oregon
- Internship:
-
Legacy Emanual and Good Samaritan Hospital, Portland Oregon
- Fellowship:
-
Cardiac Electrophysiology - UCSF Medical Center
-
Cardiology - California Pacific Medical Center
Languages
- Primary Language(s)
-
English
- Additional Language(s)
-
Chinese (Interpreter available)
-
Japanese (Fluent)
-
Spanish (Interpreter available)
Community Activities
District Councilor, American College of Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society, Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
Personal Interests
Dr. Hongo enjoys spending time with family.
Philosophy of Care
There are many facets to the medical care of any given person, and it takes time to integrate all the different issues that are involved. Although our goal is to be excellent in the management of all heart rhythm problems, we also strive to deliver a comprehensive care that treats the person, not just the body, and is truly healing.
Ask an Expert
Are heart palpitations a serious symptoms for someone 62 years old and in good physical shape? My PCP did an ECG and a Holter monitor exam, and suggested I see a cardiologist. Do I need to?
In general, heart palpitations are not a serious problem as long as the heart is healthy. Being in good physical shape and staying active are good signs that the heart is indeed healthy. There are times, howeve... continue reading about Are heart palpitations a serious symptoms for someone 62 years old and in good physical shape? My PCP did an ECG and a Holter monitor exam, and suggested I see a cardiologist. Do I need to?
I have occasional rapid heartbeats, which my doctor recently diagnosed as PSVD. But I have no other heart conditions. So he did not suggest any type of treatment except to avoid certain things like alcohol. Is there anything else I should be doing?
PSVTs, or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, are generally quite bothersome, but almost never life-threatening. The only time when PSVTs can pose serious danger is in the rare setting of Wolff-Parkinson-... continue reading about I have occasional rapid heartbeats, which my doctor recently diagnosed as PSVD. But I have no other heart conditions. So he did not suggest any type of treatment except to avoid certain things like alcohol. Is there anything else I should be doing?
I've had an eating disorder for 10 years. One of the main problems that seem to continue is heart palpitations, which I've had daily for three months. Tests (Holter, ECHO, EKG) show that I have palpitations, but no other problems. I also have chest pains
Palpitations are a very common problem and generally speaking, they are usually more of an annoyance than a danger. The time it does raise concern is when there is some underlying heart disease. The normal EKGs... continue reading about I've had an eating disorder for 10 years. One of the main problems that seem to continue is heart palpitations, which I've had daily for three months. Tests (Holter, ECHO, EKG) show that I have palpitations, but no other problems. I also have chest pains
Does a lack of minerals cause a quivering heart?
When the level of certain electrolytes in the blood gets low, this can cause more extra heart beats (premature atrial complexes, premature ventricular complexes) and also promote more abnormal heart rhythm, esp... continue reading about Does a lack of minerals cause a quivering heart?
I’m a woman (52) who’s had heart palpitations for 20 years. Now they happen more often. I get 10-50 per day where I feel my heart skip around. I’ve been to cardiologists, and they find nothing wrong and say it’s just PVCs and PACs. Should I worry?
In general, premature atrial complexes (PACs) and premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are not harmful. This holds especially true if there is nothing else wrong with the heart. When someone presents with bot... continue reading about I’m a woman (52) who’s had heart palpitations for 20 years. Now they happen more often. I get 10-50 per day where I feel my heart skip around. I’ve been to cardiologists, and they find nothing wrong and say it’s just PVCs and PACs. Should I worry?
What is the difference between a pacemaker and a defibrillator? How reliable are they?
A pacemaker is an implanted device that is designed to keep your heart rate from getting too slow. It is given to patients who have too slow a heart rate that makes them feel weak, short of breath, or dizzy. Th... continue reading about What is the difference between a pacemaker and a defibrillator? How reliable are they?
I was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia a few years ago. I can usually keep it under control, except when I over exercise or if I've been stressed. Then my heart rate goes really up. Is there anything I can do to keep this from happening?
Control of ventricular tachycardia depends a lot on the type of tachycardia that you have. Based on the fact you have had this for several years and have been controlling it without medications, you most likely... continue reading about I was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia a few years ago. I can usually keep it under control, except when I over exercise or if I've been stressed. Then my heart rate goes really up. Is there anything I can do to keep this from happening?
My primary care doctor detected an abnormal heart rhythm and wants me to see a cardiologist for an EP study. What is an EP study and what is the cardiologist looking for?
The EP study is an "electrophysiology study." This is a test that is performed by a cardiac electrophysiologist (a specialized cardiologist that is trained to manage heart rhythm problems). The EP study is a co... continue reading about My primary care doctor detected an abnormal heart rhythm and wants me to see a cardiologist for an EP study. What is an EP study and what is the cardiologist looking for?
I have been having palpitations and skipped heartbeats for several months. My EKGs and blood work are normal. Is this all stress and anxiety?
Palpitations are frequently caused by anxiety. On the other hand, anxiety can be caused by palpitations. Sometimes it is difficult to determine what is causing what.Typically, if you have no history of heart di... continue reading about I have been having palpitations and skipped heartbeats for several months. My EKGs and blood work are normal. Is this all stress and anxiety?
Physicians Nearby
Michael X. Pham, M.D., FACC, MPH
Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology
Cardiovascular Disease
Related Service Lines
Disclaimer
This physician directory is provided as a convenience to you. It is not intended as a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any particular provider. Physicians are not employees or agents of Sutter Health or its affiliates. The information is submitted by each doctor and we make no guarantee or warranty as to the accuracy of the information. Sutter Health is not responsible for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on this information. You should verify the accuracy of the information directly with the physician's office.
All doctors on this site are affiliated with Sutter's network of care - members of the medical staff of Sutter-affiliated hospitals, affiliated medical groups, and independent practice associations that participate in clinical initiatives. Doctors do not pay a fee to be included in this directory. If a physician ceases to fall within one of the categories noted, he/she would no longer be listed on the site. Doctors meeting your search criteria are presented in alphabetical order by last name, or by geographic proximity if a zip code has been used as search criterion. Find out more about star ratings.